Gojju Avalakki Recipe (Puli Aval) – A Tangy & Tasty South Indian Breakfast Delight
Gojju Avalakki, also known as Puli Aval, is a popular and delicious breakfast dish from the Karnataka region in South India. A savory, tangy, and slightly sweet dish, Gojju Avalakki combines the goodness of flattened rice (poha) with a variety of aromatic spices, tamarind extract, jaggery, and a flavorful tempering of mustard seeds, lentils, and curry leaves. This recipe is a fantastic blend of textures and flavors and is perfect for anyone looking to try a vegetarian, light yet satisfying breakfast option. It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrition, making it an ideal dish for busy mornings.
Ingredients for Gojju Avalakki (Puli Aval)
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poha (Flattened rice) | 3 cups |
| Onions (finely diced) | 2 medium |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, optional) | 1 (finely diced) |
| Tamarind Paste (thick) | 1/4 cup |
| Jaggery | 3 tablespoons (reserve 1 tablespoon) |
| Sambar Powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 2 teaspoons |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 2 tablespoons |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 2 teaspoons |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup |
| Curry Leaves | 10 leaves |
| Green Chillies (slit, optional) | 2 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (finely chopped) | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 3 tablespoons |
| Sunflower Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Gojju Avalakki
Step 1: Prepare the Tamarind Mixture
- Start by combining tamarind extract, jaggery, salt, and sambar powder in a mixing bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until the jaggery dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. This forms the tangy, sweet, and savory base for your poha.
Step 2: Soak the Poha
- Add the poha (flattened rice) to the tamarind mixture and gently mix it to coat the poha evenly. Next, sprinkle a little water over the poha. Be cautious with the water—use just enough to help the poha absorb the tamarind liquid without making it too soggy. Allow the poha to soak for 20–30 minutes to absorb the flavors and soften.
Step 3: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- While the poha is soaking, heat sunflower oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds. Allow the seeds to splutter and pop.
- Add the chana dal, urad dal, and roasted peanuts. Cook on a low flame for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure that the lentils and peanuts are evenly toasted and slightly golden.
Step 4: Add Spices and Vegetables
- To the tempering, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), slit green chillies, and curry leaves. Stir for a minute to release the aromas of the spices.
- Now, add the chopped onions and turmeric powder to the pan. Sprinkle in a bit of salt. This helps speed up the cooking of the onions. Stir-fry until the onions soften and start to shrink, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the diced capsicum (green bell pepper) to the pan and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the capsicum is slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Add Tamarind Powder and Jaggery
- Next, add the dry tamarind powder (if available) and the reserved 1 tablespoon of jaggery to the mixture. This step enhances the taste of the onions and poha, providing a lovely balance of tanginess and sweetness. Stir everything together well.
Step 6: Combine Poha with Tempering
- Once the poha has soaked for the desired time, gently add it into the tempering mixture. Stir the poha gently to coat it evenly with the spices, ensuring that all the ingredients are well mixed and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the Gojju Avalakki with finely chopped coriander leaves and freshly grated coconut. The coconut adds a lovely richness and texture to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gojju Avalakki hot for the best flavor. It pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of Masala Chai and a Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich for a hearty and wholesome breakfast. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light yet fulfilling meal.
Tips for the Perfect Gojju Avalakki:
- Adjust the Spices: If you prefer a spicier version, add more green chillies or a pinch of red chilli powder.
- Use Fresh Poha: For the best results, use fresh poha (flattened rice) that is not too dry. Old or stale poha may become too mushy when mixed with water.
- Control the Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of jaggery according to your sweetness preference. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the jaggery or omit it altogether.
- Make It Vegan: This recipe is already vegan, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, skip the coconut garnish or substitute with a plant-based option.
- Storage: Gojju Avalakki tastes best fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a day. Simply reheat in a pan before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Sugars | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
| Vitamin A | ~5% of RDI |
| Vitamin C | ~10% of RDI |
| Iron | ~10% of RDI |
Why You’ll Love Gojju Avalakki:
This dish is not only bursting with flavors but also provides a perfect balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, making it an ideal breakfast to kick-start your day. The tangy tamarind, the sweetness from jaggery, and the aromatic tempering of spices create a unique combination that will keep your taste buds engaged with every bite. Whether you’re new to South Indian cuisine or a seasoned fan, Gojju Avalakki is a dish that promises to be both comforting and exciting.
Enjoy this South Indian breakfast dish as part of your weekly breakfast rotation and experience a delightful and energizing start to your day!
